British dental journal
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British dental journal · Apr 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialA randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparative study of topical skin analgesics and the anxiety and discomfort associated with venous cannulation.
To compare the effect of topical skin anaesthetic agents on the discomfort and anxiety associated with venous cannulation. ⋯ Ametop and EMLA topical anaesthetic agents produce effective skin analgesia for venous cannulation. The use of topical analgesia can reduce perceived anxiety about future cannulation procedures. This has application in the management of anxious patients undergoing intravenous sedation, suggesting that topical analgesia prior to venous cannulation may significantly aid anxiolysis.